Software developers are constantly finding issues with their products. Each update for a piece of software will contain any number of patches for vulnerabilities that you didn’t even know existed. That’s why keeping software up to date is one of the most fundamental yet overlooked aspects of cyber security. By skipping updates, or leaving them too late, you leave yourself open to cyber criminals who want to exploit your out-of-date software, leading to data breaches, ransomware attacks, or even large-scale IT outages.
Prompt software updates are one of the fundamental cyber security actions we are focusing on in Cyber Security Awareness Month. Now is the perfect time to check in with the people around you to make sure they are up to date on their software.
Why Software Updates Matter
When software developers release updates, a major component of these updates involves patching known vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are security flaws in software that could allow an attacker to gain unauthorised access, steal data, or disrupt services. Once the update is released, these vulnerabilities are public knowledge, and cyber criminals seek out organisations running old software to exploit the unpatched vulnerability against them. Keeping your software updated ensures these vulnerabilities are closed before being exploited.
Zero-day vulnerabilities are software flaws unknown to the software vendor but actively exploited by attackers before a patch is available. Once a zero-day vulnerability is identified, vendors work quickly to release an update. By keeping your software up to date, you minimise your exposure to these critical vulnerabilities. Failing to install updates leaves systems susceptible to attacks designed to exploit zero-day flaws.
Beyond patching security flaws, software updates often include improvements to security features. These enhancements could range from improved encryption methods to better authentication protocols. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, software vendors introduce more advanced security measures through updates. Staying up-to-date means benefiting from the latest security technologies to protect your data and systems.
The Consequences of Neglecting Updates
Ignoring software updates can have severe consequences. In 2024, the world experienced the largest IT outage in history, where a broken update caused widespread disruption across major systems globally. The root cause of the outage stemmed from a flawed software update, which led to cascading failures in critical services. While the initial update triggered the outage, the only way out of the crisis was through a subsequent patch update that was released and implemented globally, restoring normal operations. Without installing the second update, we would still be in the same situation.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 IT Outage:
- Broken updates are rare, but when they happen, rapid patching is critical to recovery.
- Monitoring updates and responding to issues quickly can help minimise downtime and damage.
- Failing to update systems with the new patch prolongs the vulnerability and increases risk.
Automating Updates
To mitigate the risks associated with outdated software, businesses and individuals should consider automating their software updates, sidestepping the danger of convenience in the ‘Remind Me Later’ button. Most modern operating systems and applications offer automatic update features, ensuring that security patches are applied as soon as they are available.
Automatic updates have several advantages:
- Reduced risk of missed updates: Users often forget or put off updating software manually. Automating this process ensures that vulnerabilities are patched promptly.
- Less exposure to attacks: With updates applied in real-time, the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities is significantly reduced.
- Improved system performance: Software updates often contain performance improvements that not only secure systems but also enhance their functionality and efficiency.
Despite the clear benefits, many businesses and individuals delay updates, often citing concerns about downtime or compatibility issues. While these concerns are valid, the risks associated with running outdated software far outweigh the potential disruptions of applying updates.
Here are a few strategies to mitigate these concerns:
- Schedule updates during off-hours: For businesses, scheduling updates during non-peak hours can minimise disruptions to operations.
- Test updates in a controlled environment: Before rolling out updates across an entire network, businesses can test them on a subset of systems to ensure compatibility.
- Use rollback features: Many systems allow you to roll back updates if they cause issues, providing a safety net while still keeping your software up to date.
From patching vulnerabilities to enhancing security features, software updates are a critical line of defence. While occasional issues, like the 2024 IT outage, can arise from updates, the swift application of patches and updates is crucial to resolving problems and protecting against future attacks.
Don’t let outdated software be the weak link in your cyber defences. By keeping systems up to date, businesses and individuals can stay ahead of cyber threats, safeguard sensitive information, and maintain compliance with industry standards.
For expert advice on how to manage software updates and maintain a strong security posture, contact OmniCyber Security today. Our team will help protect your systems against the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
